Tommy Hoskyn, a Stuttgart farmer, graciously accepted a plaque of appreciation from Riceland Foods for his 30 years of dedication, while Dr. Terry Siebenmorgan, university professor and director of the University of Arkansas Rice Processing Program, humbly received the annual Friend of the Farmer award.

Both men received the plaques Thursday during Riceland Foods Inc., 92nd annual Membership Meeting held at the Grand Prairie Center.

Hoskyn was first elected to Riceland Foods Board of Directors in October 1981.

“And I believe he served on most if not all of Riceland’s committees,” Riceland CEO Danny Kennedy said. “Always do the right thing — that was his philosophy. Congratulations on a job well done.”

Hoskyn took the microphone thanking his wife for supporting him through his farming endeavors. He also thanked his other board members through the years for allowing him to serve as vice chairman and chairman.

“They let me stay on the board all these years,” Hoskyn said with a laugh. “Thank you for that, and God bless.”

Siebenmorgan, a Scranton native, was honored later in the meeting.

“The rice industry caught his attention early in his career and he focused his work preserving the kernel — the quality of the grain,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy spoke highly of Siebenmorgan saying he is a true leader in his area.

“This is a career highlight for me,” Siebenmorgan said. “To everyone at Riceland Foods thank you for supporting the Rice Processing Program since its inception.”

Siebenmorgan said his program is envied because of the way everyone in the rice industry opens their doors to his program.

“The ability to come into your mills, dryers and research and technical plants — you can’t always do that with food companies and I thank you for that. They receive us warmly and are always there to help us, which helps you in the long run,” he explained to Riceland members.

Look to Monday’s edition of the Daily Leader for more financial reports and market outlooks from Thursday’s meeting.